Looking for a venue with space, flexibility, character and a convenient Cairns location?

Set across 17 hectares and only minutes from the Cairns CBD, the Cairns Showgrounds offers a unique setting for events of all shapes and sizes. With a wonderful blend of history, heritage and versatility, our grounds provide the freedom to create an event that’s truly your own.

From intimate gatherings through to large-scale events, our range of halls, pavilions and expansive outdoor spaces means there are plenty of options to suit your needs.

The Cairns Showgrounds is ideal for:

• Weddings and receptions
• Corporate functions and conferences
• Community and cultural events
• Exhibitions and trade shows
• Markets and expos
• Sporting and recreational events
• Festivals and entertainment
• School and community functions
• Special occasions and celebrations
• Large outdoor events

More Than Just a Venue

When you hire at the Cairns Showgrounds, you have access to much more than four walls.

Our venue offers:

• 17 hectares of versatile grounds
• A variety of indoor halls and pavilions
• Generous outdoor event spaces
• Ample off-street parking
• Convenient location just minutes from the Cairns CBD
• Affordable and flexible venue hire options
• Tailored services to help make planning your event easier
• Spaces suitable for everything from smaller functions to major events
• The ability to accommodate unique event requirements

Want to make a spectacular entrance or finish your event with a bang? The Cairns Showgrounds is also uniquely positioned to accommodate helicopter landings and fireworks, subject to the necessary approvals, licensing and event requirements.

Whatever you’re planning, talk to our friendly team about how we can help bring your event to life.

Find the Perfect Space for Your Event

Explore our available venues, facilities and inclusions to find the space that best suits your event.

Once you’ve found the right option, simply complete our Venue Hire Enquiry Form and our friendly, experienced team will be in touch to discuss your requirements, availability and how we can help.

We’d love to welcome your next event to the Cairns Showgrounds.

VENUE HIRE IS NOT AVAILABLE:

For the month of July due to the Annual Cairns Show!

Venue Hire is not available for the month of July to the Cairns Show. Furthermore, the Cairns Show Association will NOT attend to any Venue Hire Enquiries during this time. Your Enquiry will be attended to in the month of August. Please contact the Office if your Enquiry is urgent.

For 18th, 21st, Hens or Bucks Functions!

Due to insurance limitations, the Cairns Show Association cannot accommodate (under any circumstance) 18th or 21st birthday parties, as well as Hens or Bucks celebrations.

For Permanent / Short-Term Tenants

Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate any other permanent or short-term tenants at this time.

FRED MOULE EXHIBITION CENTRE

Welcome to our impression Fred Moule (mole) Exhibition Centre/Pavilion, boasting an impressive 2,350 square metres, this venue is one of the largest indoor venues in North Queensland. With its vast floor space, this venue offers endless possibilities for hosting a variety of events in a truly remarkable setting. 

Whether you envision an elegant formal dinner, a bustling trade or consumer exhibition, an exhilarating concert, or a cultural celebration, our venue provides the perfect backdrop to bring your ideas to life. 

This venue features easy access for convenience. Equipped with cargo doors designed to accommodate large vehicles, machinery, trucks and buses, our venue guarantees hassle-free logistics for your event. 

DE JARLAIS FUNCTION CENTRE

Welcome to the De Jarlais (De Jays) Function Centre, a fully air-conditioned, two-level venue that caters to a wide range of events. From weddings and formal cocktail celebrations, to birthdays and anniversaries, this function centre is the perfect choice for your next event. 

Level 1 (upstairs) offers natural light, scenic views of the Cairns mountains, and can accommodate for up to 250 seated or 350 cocktail guests. It features a fully-functioning bar, commercial kitchen, restrooms, and a lift. 

The Ground Level is versatile, serving as a break-out area, pre-event holding or storage room. 

Experience the comfort, charm, and exceptional service as you celebrate your special occasion at out function centre. 

FULTON BAR AND FIGTREE UNDERCOVER AREA

A private and idyllic undercover courtyard adjacent to the Fred Moule Pavilion. Perfect venue for casual and social functions including wedding receptions, cocktail functions, birthdays, celebrations, anniversaries and concerts. 

The Fulton Bar features 3 spacious servery bays, 2 large cool rooms and separate drive way for easy access and deliveries.

h3>MAIN ARENA (CENTRE RING)

The heart of the Cairns Showgrounds, covering 26,000 square meters which featuring an oval grass field with 13m (width) dirt track. The main arena also features the historic Headrick Grandstands and adjacent mini hard grandstands. The Showgrounds also have portable grandstands on site, totaling over 2,000 seat capacity.

The main arena is suitable for music concerts and festivals, sporting events, trade expos and travelling outdoor entertainment shows.

ROADWAYS

The grounds offer a wonderful central atmosphere and plenty of room with parking, suitable for social club gatherings, driver and motor sport training, mining and heavy machinery courses and sporting events.

Areas on the grounds include the heritage sector (behind the animal nursery shed), roadways (covered bitumen on Scott Street side), permanent and out buildings and gated ticket box offices.

There are multiple entry points around the Cairns Showgrounds to allow event flexibility and efficiency.

CAMPSITE AND STABLES

Located behind the Cairns BMX track is the Showgrounds campsite, where you will find both powered and unpowered sites perfect for tent, trailer or caravan camping. Camping is NOT available for the general public. Camping is only permitted for members of the Showman’s Guild and campers associated with an event held at the Cairns Showgrounds. 

The grounds also offer stable hire for transport horses on their way to and from events and temporary shelter during adverse weather such as flooding.

Unfortunately the campsites and stable are not available during the month of July in preparation for the Cairns Show. Stables are not available for 30 days after the Cairns Show for Biosecurity reasons.